Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue Vandalized, India Condemns

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalized in the City of Davis in Northern California. The Indian government has condemned the incident and said that the embassy of India in Washington DC has taken up the matter with the US Department of State.

The 6-ft tall, 650-pound (294 kg) bronze statue of Gandhi, which was located in the Central Park, was a gift to the country by the government of India.

“On 28 Jan’21, Mahatma Gandhi statue at Central Park in City of Davis, California was vandalized by unknown persons. Statue was a gift by the government of India in 2016. The Govt strongly condemns this malicious and despicable act against a universally respected icon of peace and justice,” the ministry of external affairs said.

“Embassy of India in Washington DC has taken up the matter with the US Department of State for a thorough investigation and appropriate action. Consulate General of India in San Francisco has separately taken up the matter with City of Davis and local law enforcement authorities,” it added.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Davis deeply regretted the incident and said that they have initiated an investigation. “The US Department of State has conveyed that this act of vandalism is unacceptable and expressed the hope that perpetrators will be brought to justice as quickly as possible,” the MEA statement added.